In preparation for the upcoming winter and colder weather, the National Weather Service and Wyoming Department of Transportation are encouraging people to build a vehicle winter safety kit and know where to get the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.

“When you travel Wyoming, you can drive long distances without services, so travelers need to be ready to wait out a storm if they become stranded. Having a winter safety kit packed in your vehicle is a must,” said Tim Troutman, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Riverton.

A vehicle winter safety kit should include non-perishable food, water, essential medications, blankets, flashlights, and a first aid kit. Troutman said travelers should always dress for winter weather when driving and charge cellphones before departing.

“We have heard too many stories of people wearing shorts and sandals when driving across Wyoming,” he said. “Those won’t do you much good if you become stranded or are in an accident.”

Even with a winter safety kit packed in the vehicle, Troutman said travelers should be prepared to alter or cancel travel plans if hazardous driving conditions are expected.

Drivers are encouraged to check the latest weather forecast at weather.gov/riverton or call the National Weather Service’s Riverton office at 1-800-211-1448 to get the latest forecasts.

The weather service also routinely uses Facebook and Twitter to share important forecast and current weather and road conditions, Troutman said.

Travelers are also encouraged to check the latest WYDOT road and travel information by calling 511 or by going online to http://wyoroad.info. The WYDOT smart phone app provides pre-trip and travel information. The app can be used to view the large WYDOT network of web cameras, a color-coded system that shows pavement conditions and traffic hazards, and it can provide traveler location information to friends and family. The app is available for both Android and Apple phones.

“Drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, phone down and eyes on the road,” said WYDOT public relations specialist Cody Beers of Riverton.

The Wyoming 511 pre-trip app will give you road conditions and traffic incidents for the route you are traveling, he said.

Beers said motorists share responsibility of protection of life and property. 

“Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, drive at appropriate speeds to maintain vehicle control, always wear your seat belt, and stay well back from operating snowplows,” Beers said.

WYDOT employees are on the roads when the conditions are the worst, and they’re out there between storms, too.

WYDOT has numerous bright yellow snowplows, and when working the roads, these plow trucks have amber, red and blue flashing lights mounted on top of the cab and on the back of the sanders. Snowplows are huge machines, capable of moving tons of snow every minute. 

“They are spreading sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals on the roadway,” WYDOT District 5 Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb. “It’s always a good idea to stay back from snowplows while their operators are doing their jobs.”

With limited visibility, snowplow drivers can’t see vehicles behind them if the vehicles are too close to the plows.

“Remember, the safest driving surface is behind the plow. If you must pass, don’t pass on the right into the plume of snow being moved,” Lamb said. “Be sure on two-lane highways that you have plenty of time to pass. Keep a close watch, as these huge plows often stir up their own whiteout conditions while doing their work.”  

WYDOT and the National Weather Service routinely coordinate winter weather impacts and messaging in an effort to provide a consistent message.

“When we share the same message, it usually increases traveler confidence in what conditions to expect,” said Beers. “We want everyone to make the best possible decision when choosing where and when to travel.”